Minneapolis now prohibits recreational fires on poor air quality days

The Minneapolis City Council tightened the recreational fires ordinance today to protect air quality: recreational fires are now prohibited during an air pollution public health advisory. When air pollution levels are likely to affect health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issues an air pollution public health advisory or alert. To keep Minneapolis safe and livable, residents who like to have a small outdoor recreational fire should keep these ordinances in mind:

Postpone a fire when Minneapolis is under an air pollution advisory. Fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution and can are implicated in a number of health problems, including strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Sign up for air quality alerts.

Burn only untreated, unpainted, dry wood. Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris, because the smoke can be toxic. See Minneapolis air quality.

Outdoor fires are permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Keep fire small, less than three feet in diameter and two feet high.

Fire must be at least 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material and in a fire ring or pit with edges more than six inches high.

Have a hose or fire extinguisher present.

Postpone the fire when the wind exceeds 10 mph.

Fire must be constantly attended by someone 18 years or older and completely out before being abandoned.

Illegal burning can result in a $200 fine.

For more information on recreational fires or to register a complaint about a recreational fire, call 311 or email Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov, or outside 311 hours to register a complaint about a recreational fire call 911.The Fire and Police departments are authorized to extinguish a fire immediately if it is hazardous.